Pedestrian critically injured in Spring Valley accident

SPRING VALLEY  A pedestrian was critically injured Wednesday night when he ran into the path of a pickup truck on Jamacha Boulevard near Grand Avenue, the California Highway Patrol said.

The victim, whose identity was not yet known, was struck by a blue 1995 Chevrolet pickup truck being driven by a 71-year-old Spring Valley man, said CHP Officer Brian Pennings.

The pickup was headed east on Jamacha about 5:40 p.m. when the driver slowed for a red light. Before reaching the intersection, the light turned green and the driver accelerated. About 20 feet east of the intersection, a black male adult dressed in all-black clothing ran into the path of the pickup, a witness told the CHP.

The pickup driver swerved to try to avoid hitting the man, but was unable to do so and struck the pedestrian in the No. 1 lane. The victim was propelled into the air and landed on Jamacha about 86 feet east of the intersection, Pennings said.

The victim, who may be in his 30s, was taken to a hospital with a broken pelvis and massive internal injuries, the officer said.

Alcohol may have been a factor in the actions of the pedestrian, Pennings said.